Changing Determinants of Foreign Policy in East Asian Countries
Changing Determinants of Foreign Policy in East Asian Countries
Contributor(s): Karol Żakowski (Editor)
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Governance, Public Administration, Public Law, Economic policy, International relations/trade, Developing nations, Geopolitics
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego
Keywords: foreign policy; East Asian Countries; foreign relations
Summary/Abstract: The monograph provides knowledge on the complex nature of both external and internal determinants influencing foreign policies of East Asian countries. Through a range of case studies on Japan, China, Taiwan and North Korea, the authors analyze international relations in East Asia as a mosaic of intertwining processes of globalization and regionalization, interests of global and regional powers, local social and economic conditions, national institutional arrangements, and even personal factors. They argue that sometimes a sudden change of one small element in this mosaic suffices to influence the whole system. Instead of providing a simplified interpretation of the analyzed processes, the monograph tries to illustrate them in their entire complexity.
Series: Uniwersytet Łódzki
- Page Count: 130
- Publication Year: 2017
- Language: English
Introduction. Determinants of International Relations in the East Asian Context
Introduction. Determinants of International Relations in the East Asian Context
(Introduction. Determinants of International Relations in the East Asian Context)
- Author(s):Karol Żakowski
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economic policy, International relations/trade, Developing nations, Geopolitics
- Page Range:7-12
- No. of Pages:6
- Keywords:international relations; East Asia
- Summary/Abstract:The case studies presented in this monograph indicate that the international reality cannot be easily reduced to one single dimension. Each IR theory provides only a partial truth on the factors influencing foreign policy making. International relations in East Asia resemble a mosaic of intertwining processes of globalization and regionalization, interests of global and regional powers, local social and economic conditions, national institutional arrangements, and even personal factors. Sometimes a sudden change of one small element in this mosaic suffices to influence the whole system. Instead of providing a simplified interpretation of these processes, the proposed monograph tries to illustrate them in their entire complexity.
The Taiwanese Dimension of the Cross–Strait Equation after the Sunflower Movement
The Taiwanese Dimension of the Cross–Strait Equation after the Sunflower Movement
(The Taiwanese Dimension of the Cross–Strait Equation after the Sunflower Movement)
- Author(s):Krzysztof Kozłowski
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Public Administration, Public Law, Economic policy, International relations/trade, Developing nations, Geopolitics
- Page Range:13-28
- No. of Pages:16
- Keywords:Taiwan; People’s Republic of China; Cross–Strait Relations; Sunflower Movement
- Summary/Abstract:For over five decades Taiwan was predominantly perceived by the international community as a function of regional balance of power network in East Asia and of the United States and People’s Republic of China relations. However, after almost 30 years of democratic change, Taiwanese internal politics is slowly growing out of the diplomatic cross–strait framework and Beijing–Taipei economic rapprochement scenarios. The Sunflower Movement protests and November 29th, 2014 defeat of ruling Kuomintang in local elections indicate an introduction of a new variable – Taiwanese society – in cross–strait formula.
The Economic Relations of the United States and China over the Years 2005–2015
The Economic Relations of the United States and China over the Years 2005–2015
(The Economic Relations of the United States and China over the Years 2005–2015)
- Author(s):Przemysław FURGACZ
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Public Administration, Public Law, Economic policy, International relations/trade, Developing nations, Geopolitics
- Page Range:29-45
- No. of Pages:17
- Keywords:US; China; US–China trade relations; US–China financial relations; US–China economic relations; trade; finances; US economy; Chinese economy
- Summary/Abstract:The author concentrates in the paper on the trade and financial relations between the United States of America and People’s Republic of China over the period 2005–2015. The growing interdependence of the two leading economies on the Western (the US) and Eastern (China) hemispheres undoubtedly is a salient factor in global economy that needs to be scrupulously studied. The geoeconomic competition between the two states overlaps the concomitant geopolitical rivalry. It is one of the most germane phenomenon in the global economic and political relations of the contemporary world.
Changes Within the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s Society: Involvement of the Non–Governmental Actors
Changes Within the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s Society: Involvement of the Non–Governmental Actors
(Changes Within the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s Society: Involvement of the Non–Governmental Actors)
- Author(s):Miloš Procházka
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Public Administration, Public Law, Economic policy, International relations/trade, Developing nations, Geopolitics
- Page Range:47-72
- No. of Pages:26
- Keywords:Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; North Korean society; non–governmental actors; famine; Juche; sanctions
- Summary/Abstract:Non–Governmental Organizations (NGO) activities in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) are specified by missing mutual diplomatic representation between the two Koreas, and also between the DPRK and the US. This fact helps to increase the importance and prestige of NGOs, the role of individuals and groups in cultural, sport and civic exchanges when participating in mediation of humanitarian and development aid to the DPRK. The entrepreneurs, who are willing to invest in DPRK (despite the adverse conditions) and employ North Korean workers, play an irreplaceable role as well. A summary of these activities provides an overall picture of the presence and impact of non–governmental actors.
Politicians’ Role in Foreign Policy Making in Japan before the Central Government Reform
Politicians’ Role in Foreign Policy Making in Japan before the Central Government Reform
(Politicians’ Role in Foreign Policy Making in Japan before the Central Government Reform)
- Author(s):Karol Żakowski
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Governance, Public Administration, Public Law, Economic policy, International relations/trade, Developing nations, Geopolitics
- Page Range:73-87
- No. of Pages:15
- Keywords:Japan; foreign policy; decision–making process; prime minister’s leadership
- Summary/Abstract:The decision–making process in Japan has been characterized by extensive powers possessed by the bureaucrats who often overshadowed their political superiors. Foreign policy making was not an exception. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) boasted strong control over Japan’s diplomacy. While the role of civil servants was theoretically limited to the implementation of the decisions made by politicians, in reality the administrative staff used a range of informal sources of power to act as arbiters of state matters. Only after the entry into force of Hashimoto’s administrative reform in 2001 did top–level decision makers gain new institutional tools that helped them to conduct an independent foreign policy on a more regular basis. Without denying this conventional wisdom, I argue that the politicians could occasionally play a significant role in Japan’s diplomacy even before implementation of institutional changes at the beginning of the 21st century. Under special circumstances, prime ministers, chief cabinet secretaries and foreign ministers were able to exert a considerable influence on the course of foreign policy, sometimes even changing its direction. Up to the 1990s the most influential figures in the government had enough authority to overcome the domination of the bureaucrats and impose their own will on MOFA.
Political Leadership and the Security Policy: Negotiations on the US Military Bases in Okinawa under the Murayama and Hashimoto Cabinets
Political Leadership and the Security Policy: Negotiations on the US Military Bases in Okinawa under the Murayama and Hashimoto Cabinets
(Political Leadership and the Security Policy: Negotiations on the US Military Bases in Okinawa under the Murayama and Hashimoto Cabinets)
- Author(s):Beata Bochorodycz
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Public Administration, Public Law, Economic policy, International relations/trade, Developing nations, Geopolitics
- Page Range:89-114
- No. of Pages:26
- Keywords:Foreign and defense policy; Futenma; military bases; decision making; prime minister role
- Summary/Abstract:The problem of the US military bases, including the relocation of the Futenma military air station and a construction of a Futenma replacement facility (FRF) in Okinawa, has been a difficult and contested issue in Japanese domestic and foreign affairs for decades. In November 1995 Prime Minister Murayama and Vice President Al Gore established a Special Action Committee on Okinawa for deliberation on the reduction and realignment of the military bases. In April 1996 President Clinton and PM Hashimoto decided on the relocation and construction of the FRF in the prefecture within five to seven years. As of 2015 the prospects for implementation seem dim, especially after the electoral victory of the anti–base governor Onaga Takeshi in November 2014. This article focuses on the decision–making process under two consecutive prime ministers, Murayama and Hashimoto, since it was during their premiership that the issue was set on the agenda and decided upon. The article argues that on one hand PM Murayama made several important decisions, but lacking enough experience and power as a minor coalition member, as well as due to short term in office, was not able to supervise implementation of his decisions. On the other hand, PM Hashimoto did exercise strong leadership in regard to Futenma Air Base, but as the LDP president his decisions run along the general policy of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who is in charge of the foreign policy formation on daily base. Furthermore, the American side agreed to the relocation since the benefits – a new and technologically advanced facility for the US army, entirely paid by the Japanese government, outweighed the hardship of the transfer. In the entire process, the Okinawan community, demanding removal of the bases outside the prefecture, was not consulted and hence the ongoing opposition to the US bases and FRF.
DPJ Government and Climate Change Policy
DPJ Government and Climate Change Policy
(DPJ Government and Climate Change Policy)
- Author(s):Marcin Socha
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Governance, Public Administration, Public Law, Economic policy, Environmental and Energy policy, International relations/trade, Developing nations, Geopolitics
- Page Range:115-129
- No. of Pages:15
- Keywords:climate negotiations; Japan’s environmental politics; Post–Kyoto Protocol negotiations; Democratic Party of Japan; Japan’s foreign policy; DPJ decision making process
- Summary/Abstract:In 2009 election manifesto Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) leaders voiced their decisive support for stronger engagement in international climate negotiations. The promises were realized by an ambitious climate mitigation proposal presented by Prime Minister Hatoyama Yukio at COP 15 in Copenhagen. 25% CO2 levels reduction commitment was heavily criticized by Japanese opposition, METI bureaucrats and business circles. Despite strong domestic opposition Prime Minister Hatoyama decided to place climate mitigation among priorities of his foreign policy. Next DPJ administration quickly backtracked from the position of climate leader. The head of the Japanese delegation at COP 16 in Mexico stated that Japan would not be a part of new Kyoto Protocol commitment period. The aim of the article is to identify changing factors in decision–making process that led to quick change in DPJ’s approach to international climate mitigation efforts.
